Moscow airport showcases cargo terminal for China trade

RUSSIA's biggest airport, Moscow's Sheremetyevo (SVO), and Moscow Cargo, held a joint cargo complex presentation with their Chinese partners as part of a strategy to spur the further development of Russian-Chinese air freight expansion, reports Moscow's Russian Aviation Insider.

"Thanks to Sheremetyevo airport's efficient, long-term planning and large-scale investment programme, we understand the needs of airlines and are ready to meet them in full," said Andrey Nikulin, first deputy general director of Sheremetyevo International Airport.

Said ranking Moscow Cargo official Mikhail Chuvilkin: "One of the greatest advantages of our terminal is the availability of areas for express cargo handling. Today, speed is the main requirement for customers. Speed provides a competitive edge."

China has become a significant strategic partner for Russia. In 2018, trade turnover between Russia and China increased 28 per cent, beating a record-high US$100 billion. Russia ranks first among China's 10 largest trade partners in terms of trade turnover growth.

The new cargo terminal at Sheremetyevo is designed to satisfy growing market demand and offers an advanced high quality infrastructure for China-destined cargo and mail, said the airport.

"The terminal was built drawing on the experience of global industry leaders and the use of automated cargo storage and handling systems enabled us to reduce cargo handling and packaging time, make tracking transparent, and expand the area of IT interaction with customers and airlines. Factoring in the high growth rates of cargo turnover, the completion of the second stage of the cargo terminal is scheduled for 2022," said an airport statement.

Sheremetyevo, which is the only airport in Europe to service eight Chinese airlines, offers a route network of connections between Russia and China comprising 19 destinations.

Air cargo import shipments from China to Sheremetyevo increased 40 per cent, while exports saw a 20 per cent increase.